Van Hugo
Music therapy is a discipline in which credentialed professionals (MTA*) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support development, health, and well-being. Music therapists use music safely and ethically to address human needs within cognitive, communicative, emotional, musical, physical, social, and spiritual domains.
*Music Therapist Accredited/Musicothérapeute accrédité
Canadian Association of Music Therapists
June 2016
The Music Therapy Association of Manitoba, Inc. strives to promote excellence in the field of music therapy in Manitoba through advocacy, connection, and support. Our mission is to foster community engagement with, and access to, music therapy, facilitate connections between music therapists, and promote opportunities for professional development. Association activities are conducted in accordance with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Music therapists are skilled professionals who hold a university degree in music therapy. They are accomplished musicians trained to use music to bring about positive changes which maintain or improve quality of life.
Music therapists conduct assessments to determine a client’s strengths and areas for growth, and develop a program plan which includes goals and objectives as well as methods of evaluating progress
Music has nonverbal, creative, structural and emotive qualities. These are used within the therapeutic relationship to facilitate interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal development.
Music Therapists work with children, youth, and adults in a variety of settings, including
Psychiatric and medical hospitals
Schools
Rehabilitation facilities
Personal care homes
Correctional facilities
Adult day programs
Community mental health centres
Private Practice
Residential settings
Hospice and palliative care
Certified music therapists (MTA), complete a Bachelor or a Graduate Certificate in music therapy and a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship
University coursework consists of supervised clinical fieldwork placements and the academic study in the areas of music therapy research, music, and psychology.
Following the completion of a university degree in music therapy, the music therapist in training completes a 1000 hour supervised internship. During the internship, the music therapy intern consolidates their knowledge and skills in music therapy, develops competence with one or more clinical populations and gradually assumes the full range of responsibilities of a professional music therapist. Upon completion of an internship, graduates are eligible to take the CBMT* Exam and after passing this exam, can apply for MTA Certification signifying they are qualified to work in the field and will adhere to the CAMT Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
*Certification Board of Music Therapists: www.cbmt.org
The education and development as therapists does not end with the completion of accreditation. MTA must maintain their credential every five years through the CAMT continuing education process. MTA thus are continually seeking to advance the theoretical and practical application of music therapy techniques.
